Will Anyone Be Held Accountable in the Assam Student Assault Case?
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Synopsis
The brutal assault on Assam student Jyoti Das at IGNTU has sparked outrage and demands for justice. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav vows strict action against the perpetrators. As protests erupt on campus, the administration faces scrutiny for its response. Will swift justice prevail or will the students involved evade accountability?
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister condemns assault and vows action.
- Victim suffered severe injuries and required hospitalization.
- Protests erupted on campus demanding justice.
- University administration faces scrutiny for its response.
- Accused students have been suspended and charged.
Bhopal/Anuppur, Jan 16 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has expressed deep concern over the horrific alleged attack on a postgraduate student from Assam at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) located in Lalpur, Pushprajgarh Amarkantak, Anuppur district.
In a strong statement on his X handle, the Chief Minister condemned the incident and mentioned that the university administration has swiftly taken disciplinary actions against the students involved. He emphasized that “no one involved will be spared” and that rigorous measures will be implemented to ensure justice and safety on campus.
The victim, Hiros Jyoti Das, a 22-year-old first-year Master's student in Economics and a NCC cadet, hails from Kamari, Balipara (Assam). He was violently assaulted in the early hours of January 13, around 3-4 a.m., inside his room at the Guru Gobind Boys' Hostel (GGBH).
As reported by Das in his statement to the police, he had stepped out briefly to use the bathroom and returned to find several unknown individuals already in his room. They began to interrogate him aggressively regarding his name, background, and origin.
Upon discovering that he was from Assam and had previously studied at the same university before pursuing his postgraduate degree, the situation escalated into violence. The assailants, allegedly under the influence of some intoxicants, bound his hands, assaulted him with punches and kicks to the face, and issued terrifying threats to his life.
The assault left Das with significant injuries, including a fractured nose and severe swelling and blood clots in both eyes, as he reported to the police.
In distress and pain, Das first received initial medical attention at the university dispensary before being transferred to the district hospital in Gaurela, Chhattisgarh for further treatment.
Speaking to IANS, Moti Ur Rahman, Superintendent of Police (SP), stated that the medical report did not confirm any fractures. The accused students have been summoned and suspended from the university. A formal complaint will be filed against the five accused—Anurag Pandey, Jatin Singh, Rajnish Tripathi, Vishal Yadav, and Utkarsh Singh—who are all local residents of Anuppur district.
The incident ignited immediate and fervent protests on the IGNTU campus, with students surrounding the registrar's office and demanding prompt justice.
In response, the university administration has initiated an internal investigation, supported by CCTV footage from the hostel that assisted in identifying the attackers.
Consequently, the police registered an FIR at the Amarkantak police station late on January 14 based on Das's complaint, charging the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including voluntarily causing hurt (Section 115(2)), obscene acts and words (Section 296), criminal intimidation (Section 351(3)), and common intention (Section 3(5)).
“No arrests had been made since the punishment is less than seven years, and they are students,” the police officer remarked.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in the MP Assembly and prominent Congress figure, Umang Singhar, shared on his X handle that the university hostel, which he claims has become a “stronghold of the BJP and RSS,” has seen some unruly students making racist comments against Jyoti Das, leading to his severe beating when he protested.
Students allege that some unruly youths linked to the ruling party consume drugs on campus and engage in violence against fellow students, while the university administration merely pretends to take action. However, in his FIR, Das has not indicated any statement regarding racial discrimination.
Point of View
It's imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the situation at IGNTU. The assault on Jyoti Das represents a serious breach of safety and highlights systemic issues within university environments. The immediate response from authorities is crucial not only for justice for the victim but also for restoring faith in campus safety for all students. This incident must prompt a broader discussion on the culture within educational institutions and the responsibility of administration to protect their students.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the student?
A postgraduate student from Assam, Hiros Jyoti Das, was brutally assaulted by unknown individuals in his hostel room at IGNTU.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
The university administration has initiated disciplinary measures against the accused students, and a police FIR has been filed against them.
Is there any evidence of racial discrimination?
The victim's FIR does not mention racial discrimination, although protests have raised concerns about such issues.
What are the charges against the assailants?
The accused have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including voluntary causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
What is the reaction from the student community?
The incident has led to widespread protests on campus, with students demanding swift justice and accountability from the university administration.
